There isn’t any denying that Manchester United are moving in the right direction under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. An elusive trophy still evades the Norwegian, but there is a strong feeling that once the Red Devils get their hands on one piece of silverware, the feeling of success would be something that the players will want to feel more of. United have won more points this season than they did last term with five games to spare.
However, United still need to make some big signings if they are to get to the standard required to lay down a serious title challenge. Gamblers will be able to use this odds calculator on bets involving United, but which areas should be improved to ensure that they can progress next season?
Central Defence
Harry Maguire comes in for a lot of ridicule, but one thing is for certain, he has improved the United defence immeasurably. United’s backline is almost one that could compete for a title, with the excellent form of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this season nailing down the full-back spots. However, there are still questions surrounding whether Victor Lindelof is the right partner for Maguire in the back four.
United do lack pace when they play Lindelof and Maguire in the heart of the defence, which could lead to the Red Devils looking to bring in a new defender. Eric Bailly has the qualities that United will be looking for, but the Ivorian’s injury problems have meant that he isn’t a reliable enough player. Jules Kounde from Sevilla is one player that United have been linked with, while Pau Torres and Raphael Varane are two other players that have muted.
Defensive Midfielder
United have a number of midfield options, with Solskjaer having opted for a partnership of Fred and Scott McTominay throughout the season. The partnership has flourished, with both stars enjoying their best seasons to date. However, it looks unlikely to be a foundation that a title challenge can be built on. Paul Pogba’s future is still up in the air, while where Solskjaer sees Donny van de Beek playing is still also up for debate.
The perfect solution for United would be to bring in West Ham’s Declan Rice. Rice would command a huge transfer fee, but given how Jesse Lingard has performed at the London Stadium, we could potentially see United try and use their on-loan star in a potential deal.
Forward Option
Edinson Cavani is looking like he will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season, which means United will be back in the market for another forward. The forward that United target could be altered depending on where Solskjaer sees Mason Greenwood playing next season.
If he wants to play Greenwood on the right of a forward three, then United will need to bring in a new number nine, with rumours of a move for Harry Kane only accelerating. However, if Solskjaer sees Greenwood as his main striker, then United could return for Jadon Sancho to fill the void in the right-wing position.
